Cougars finally close out Braves in four

The Highland volleyball team had its moments where it appeared the match against Black Hawk would end quickly. And that’s when the Cougars seemed to get too comfortable.

By Joey Baskerville

Journal Standard

By Joey Baskerville

Posted Oct. 10, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 9:03 AM

By Joey Baskerville

Posted Oct. 10, 2012 at 12:01 AM
Updated Oct 10, 2012 at 9:03 AM

Freeport, Ill.

The Highland volleyball team had its moments where it appeared the match against Black Hawk would end quickly.

And that’s when the Cougars seemed to get too comfortable.

The Braves proved to be difficult to close out, but Highland won in four sets, 25-16, 20-25, 25-20, 25-16.

“It was a good win because we lost down at their place on the road,” Highland coach Beth Groshans said. “I just didn’t feel like we were consistent throughout the whole match.

“ ... I just really got on them because I didn’t know if they were toying with them or what.”

Highland played at a high level in the first set and pulled away with a 19-14 lead that Black Hawk couldn’t overcome.

The Cougars looked to take command after a 16-11 advantage in the second set and looked ready to cruise. But poor serve-receive, digging and execution on attacks helped the Braves score six straight points, including an ace from Black Hawk’s Elista Fisher.

“Robyn has a huge kill for us and we all get fired up,” Groshans said. “We have to stay fired up and I thought they weren’t being very aggressive and we just matched their level and had a let down.

“ ... They just have to dig effectively and not just touch them.”

Highland dropped the second set 25-20, but went on to win the third set by the same score. Part of what gave the Braves a tough time throughout was Highland’s balanced attack.

Jen Lane had a team-high 10 kills, Katelyn Hasken added nine and Courtney Blair had eight. Groshans wanted to see her players as a whole remain patient on attack.

“I have girls that are used to getting a lot of kills at their high school,” Groshans said. “Sometimes you just have to be patient.

“We’re going to need all of you at some point and some time blocking the girl that’s their kill leader and your time is going to come.”

Highland and Black Hawk were within two points of each other for most of the fourth set until Keeley Schulz stepped behind the service line to break up a 14-all tie.

The Stockton alum had two aces and four service points as Highland jumped to a 19-14 lead. From there, Black Hawk could only muster up two more points for the match.

Schulz and Courtney Lawson had three aces to lead the Cougars. Lawson also had 20 digs, while Hasken had 13 of her own.